College is not an easy transition - trust me. Just within the first few weeks of classes, you learn a lot about yourself and how you react in certain situations. You come to realize that the only person who truly knows you is you, and honestly, that sucks. Your parents, who know you quite well, don't fully understand how you feel... and how could they? You're emotional, overwhelmed, stressed out, scared, unsure of yourself, and perhaps a bit homesick. The smallest of things have the ability to affect your mood and cause a downward spiral, and you just wish they (or anyone) could understand.
Just know, you're not alone.
I asked 11 college kids what they wished their parents understood about them, their college experience, or their personality in general. These were their responses:
1. "I wish my parents knew how much work I had to put forth in order to get to this point and continue on in higher education. They've never really seemed proud of me, and often compare me to my siblings."
- Male, 18
2. "I wish my parents understood that not all kids are obsessed with taking pictures or posting on Instagram. My mom always asks (when I go out with friends) if I posted it on my Instagram! Ha, isn't that weird? I wish they realized that people are on their phones for other reasons than mindlessly looking at other peoples' posts."
- Female, 18
3. "I wish my parents knew how fast I could chug a beer. They would have a whole new level of respect for me!"
- Female, 18
4. "I wish my mom knew that I'm capable of being independent, and I appreciate her help, but I don't need it."
- Female, 19
5. "How hard it is to be without them. I took a lot of things for granted that they did for me in high school."
- Male, 18
6. "My parents are so supportive, but I wish they would stop comparing me to other kids my age in an attempt to make me feel better. I put enough pressure on myself, and it hurts knowing that I'm disappointing you too."
- Female, 18
7. I wish they'd stop treating me like a child. 'Did you finish your homework?', 'When did you get home last night?', or 'Have you eaten yet?'. Just stop!"
- Male, 19
8. I wish they knew that things actually cost a lot of money nowadays. It's not the 80s anymore mom, this textbook really is 97$."
- Female, 19
9. "I wish they'd stop pressuring me to get a job! I barely have time to do my schoolwork, let alone work the entire weekend."
- Female, 18
10. "Yes, the freshman 15 is real. And yes, I'll need you to buy those jeans in a size large this time."
- Male, 18
11. "Regardless of what I sometimes say or do, I always appreciate when you call and check up on me. Though I'd never tell you in person, you mean the world to me."
- Female, 18
